Newsboy Peak Cap

This free knitting pattern shows you how to knit a Newsboy peak cap hat. It is shown below in its original vintage pattern as well as its new modern conversion (scroll below) that has been submitted by a user Kelsey Anderson.

Break off yarn, run end through rem. sts., draw up and fasten off securely.

PEAK

Using No. 11 (8mm) Needles, cast on 47 sts. Work 2 rows rib as for Cap.

Shape front (NOTE : When turning, bring yarn to front of work, slip next st. on to right-hand needle, take yarn to back, slip st. back on to left-hand needle, then turn and proceed as instructed. This avoids holes).

(NOTE : When turning, bring yarn to front of work, slip next st. on to right-hand needle, take yarn to back, slip st. back on to left-hand needle, then turn and proceed as instructed. This avoids holes). (“work 2tog” means either p2tog or k2tog depending on where you are in the pattern)

I finally made the hat (adult size) after a few adjustments. Using James C Bret Marble Chunky, 4.5mm needles for ribbing and peak and 7.5mm needles for the hat. I found that If on row 8 you just increase by 13 stitches evenly across the row it gives you 80 stitches so you can follow the original pattern, i did add a couple of extra rows in at the end. Drove me mad to get it right but lovely know I have done it.

I made this once…winged it where the ‘new modern’ pattern says to ‘patt 9’…I asked over and over on one knitting forum, and all I could get was ‘you are to follow the pattern there.’ The only thing I saw repeated ‘9’ times was ‘p9’…so that’s what I did…I recently tore that hat all apart because I used a cotton yarn for the ribbing, and an acrylic for the hat…it was way too big, as was the beak…I would love to see this pattern truly “updated” and the old parts of the vintage pattern done away with. I would also like to see a way to print just the newer version…a lot of paper is wasted here. Wish this was a tad easier ’cause I do love that hat!

Nice hat for a guy. Haven’t see guys wearing these in quite a while. Is good to see something old coming out in style again for us guys. It’s high time vintage clothing started making a come back for us men, since so many things have come back in style for women! Needs a bit more tweaking to really make it pop for a man, though, looks like it might be a little small for the average guy.

I made it in Bernat Softee Chunky, needing only 1 ball! Used size US 8 (for the ribbing parts – brim & cap ribbing) & US 10.5 (cap body) circular needles (magic loop method – 40″ cord), knitting the cap circular with 66 stitches, increasing to 78 for the lacy pattern. The brim (peak) is very cleverly constructed with the short rows to make shaping that is larger on the top than the bottom of the brim to give it a nice shaping when stitched onto the cap. The wrap and turn stitch method did eliminate any holes in the short rows. I used plastic needlepoint canvas (cut to shape) for the brim stiffener.

I made it in Bernat Softee Chunky, needing only 1 ball! Used size US 8 (for the ribbing parts – brim & cap ribbing) & US 10.5 (cap body) circular needles (magic loop method – 40″ cord), knitting the cap circular with 66 stitches, increasing to 78 for the lacy pattern. The brim (peak) is very cleverly constructed with the short rows to make shaping that is larger on the top than the bottom of the brim to give it a nice shaping when stitched onto the cap. The wrap and turn stitch method did eliminate any holes in the short rows. I used plastic needlepoint canvas (cut to shape) for the brim stiffener.

I’m trying this pattern, new to YOs etc and having to make lots of changes. Keeping the leafy effect pattern though. Make a test with a yarn you like, recommended needles and then measure your head. I’m ripping mine back for the 3rd time…will get there!